Messi, Mascherano and Aguero quit Argentina National Team

June 27, 2016

UPDATE: ESPN Argentina is confirming that along with Leo Messi; Kun Agüero and Javier Mascherano have announced they’ve played their last match for Argentina. Reports also suggest that Lavezzi, Biglia and Higuain are considering departing as well.

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Leo Messi has announced he’s calling it quits and is retiring from International Football.

“For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” Messi told reporters post-game, reports the BBC.

The news comes in the aftermath of Argentina’s loss to Chile in the Copa America Final, 4-2 on penalties.

The match was marred with some questionable referring, but with neither team hitting the scoreboard by the end of extra-time, the match proceeded to penalties. Messi along with Lucas Biglia missed their penalty kicks, allowing Chile’s Francisco Silva to take the deciding penalty shot.

Messi: ‘I’m taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this. I’ve tried so hard, but I’m leaving without managing it.’

Messi: ‘I’m taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this. I’ve tried so hard, but I’m leaving without managing it.’

Speaking to the press after the loss, Messi confirmed his decision to leave the national team. There was already some speculation that Ballon d’Or winner was at odds with the Argentinian Football Association after Messi posted an Instagram critisising the association.

“Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination,What a disaster the AFA are. My god!,” Messi wrote.

Messi recorded 112 appearances for Argentina, scoring 55 goals since his 2005 debut. As luck would have it, Messi has never been able to secure silverware at a major tournament during his time with the National Team.